pratt



10 Sheets-Sheet -l.

P. A. PRATT.

GEAR CUTTING MACHINE.

(No Model.)

Patented July 1; 1884.

N NN (No'ModeL) 10 SheetsSheet 2.

F. A. PRATT.

GEAR CUTTING MACHINE.

No. 301,270. -Patented July 1, 1884.

(No Model.) 10 Sheets-Sheet 3.

F. A. PRATT.

GEAR CUTTING MACHINE.

N X a; Q: a y

Q1 a x fittest: m: Inventor.-

10 Sheets-Sheet 4.

(No Model.)

1?. A. PRATT.

- GEAR CUTTING MACHINE.

No. 301,270. ammed July 1. 1884.

mlinnm III III I I ll l I I I II III- I II Inventor.-

J-y I (No Model.) 10 Sheets$heet '5.

F. A. PRATT.

GEAR CUTTING MAGHINE. No.' 301,270. Patented July 1, 1884.

10 Sheets-Sheet 7,

(No Model.)

F. A. PRATT GEAR OUT-TING MACHINE.

Patented July 1, 1884.

lnvenio r;

Wiinesses E E 10 Sheets sheet 8.

(No Model.)

P. A. PRATT.

GEAR CUTTING MACHINE.

No.301,2'70.' Patented July 1, I884.

Witness es;

N. PFI'ERS. Pmwuho n mv. Washing (No Model.) I 10 Sheets-Sheet 9.

I F. A. PRATT.

GEAR CUTTING MACHINE. No. 301,270. Patented July 1, 1884.

"Q IQ i r q Wiinessea; T i

, I nvenAqrgLM (No Model.)

'10 Sheets-Sheet 10. P. A. PRATT. v

GEAR CUTTING MACHINE.

No. 301,270. Patented Ju1y 1 ,1884,.

IIII/lIIIIIII/III) Invenifvr;

Wiine ss es Z231; zm.

u. PETERS Pnam-Lilho n hu, Washington D. C.

Unrren STATES l arnnrr @rrrcri.

FRANCIS A. PRATT, F HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT.

GEAR CU'fTlNG MAGHENE.

EPECIPICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 301,270, dated July 1,1884.

Application filed November 5, 1883. (X0 model.)

66M 'LUZLOH'Z/ it natty concern: Be it known that I, FRANCIS A. PRATT, acitizen of the United States, residing at Hartford, in the county ofHartford and State of Connecticut, have invented certain new and usefulImprovements in Gear-Outting Ma chines, of which the-following isspccification, reference being had to the accompanying drawings.

My invention relates to machinery for the manufacture of spur -wheelsand of wormwheels, and has for its object to provide for the making,from suitable blanks, of either of said kinds of wheels by means of thesame machine.

It consists in an organized machine, in the mechanisms organized intothe said machine, and in particular combinations contained in the saidmechanisms.

, My organized machine for cutting spurwheels and for cuttingworm-wheels consists, essentially, of two principal and five auxiliarymechanisms. The principal ones are the blank-carrying and thecutter-carrying mechanisms. The auxiliary ones are the cutter-.rotating, cutter traversing, blank spacing, blank-rotating, andblank-feeding mechanisms. These several mechanisms, in order that theymay collectively perform theirfunction of operating upon either of theabovespecified kinds of wheels, should be construct ed and situatedrelatively to each other sub stantially as shown and hereinafterdescribed; but it is not essential that they should have, as a machine,any particular position relative to a vertical or horizontal plane. Thusthe blank-carrying arbor may be situated in a vertical position, in ahorizontal position, and

arranged to be traversed vertically above (or below) the cutter-carryingarbor, or in a horizontal position, and arranged to be traversed in ahorizontal plane toward or from a vertical cutter-carrying arbor-or thelatter traversed toward or from it, as the case may be these threesystems of arrangement of that arbor being already embodied inwell-known forms of geaneutting machines. The frame work to support theoperative parts of the machine in either of those cases may be designedin a variety of forms; but these forms constitute no part of my presentinvention. I

have, however, preferred the latter system of arrangement described inselecting the style in which to construct a machine embodyingmyinvention, more on account of the general a vertical plane, the latterbeing traversed in l a direction at right angles to the former.

Referring to the drawings, Figures 1 to 12, both inclusive, illustratesuch a machine, of which Fig. 1 is a plan view wherein a central portionof the bed A is removed to reducethe space required for theillustration. Fig. 2 is an elevation of the front end. Fig. 8 is anelevation of the front side. Fig. 1 is an elevation of the rear side.Fig. 5 is an elevation of the rear end. Fig. 6 is a vertical section inlinexxof Fig. l of the blank-carryingmechanisni. Fig. 7 is a verticalsection inliney y, Fig. 2, of the cutter carrying mechanism. Fig. 8 isan enlarged view of a part of Fig. 2, showing the cutter traversingmechanism. Fig. 5) is a vertical section in line .0 .c of Fig. 8. Figs.10, 11, and 12 are views of the lefthand end of the parts shown in Fig.8, show ing the detent device of the cutter-traversing mechanism'inthree positions. Figs. 13 to 22, both inclusive, show modifications, asherein after described, ofvarious portions ofthe mechanisms shown in thepreceding figures.

The framework for supporting the several mechanisms of the machine intheir respective positions consists in the present instance of thefollowing parts: a horizontal bed, A, resting upon. suitable supports,and having upon its front side at its rear end a horizontal extensiontransversely thereof, (see Figs. 1, 2, and 3,) a supplementaryframe-work, B, and the bearing-pieces G, F, F*, and F Upon the upperoutside corners of bed A, from the front end thereof to the frame 13,are formed any suitable ways, (see Fig. 2,) upon which arbor.

the carriage E of the blank-carrying 1nechan ism is fitted to travel.Upon similar ways, B on frame 13 (see Fig. 4:) the carriage O of thecutter-carrying mechanism is similarly fitted to traverse the machine.In the frame B are also formed bearings for parts of the auxiliarycutter-traversing mechanism. In the pieces G and F are suitably-formedbearings for the shaft I of the auxiliary cutter-rotating mechanism,which is also the principal driving-shaft of the machine, and in thepieces F, F, and F and in bed A are similar bearings for the auxiliaryblank-rotating and blankfeeding mechanisms. The auxiliary blankspacingmechanism is carried upon the carriage ofthe blank-carryin g mechanism,as here "inafter described.

I prefer to construct the frame-work in several parts, as described, tofacilitate the man ufacture, adjustment, and repair of the same; but itmay be formed integral or of a different arrangement of parts, as may bepreferred.

The blank-carrying mechanism consists of the following: A carriage, asE, is fitted, substaptially as shown, to travel longitudinally upon thebed A, and to receive the blank-carrying arbor IQ, which is preferablyformed hollow to receive and have secured therein the usual spindle, asE", for sustaining the blank in a fixed position relative to said Thatblank-spindle (see Fig. 6) is secured in the blank-arbor by means of ascrew,

' O, which, by means of the nut N", making a bearing for the same, isalso adapted to force the said spindle out of said arbor when turned inthe Proper direction therefor. Upon the blank-carrying arbor are placedtwo masterwheels, as L and J which may both be fixed thereon, or ofwhich one, as L", may be so fixed, and the other, as J fixable'to that;or both may be fitted to revolve thereon, and be separately fixablethereto by means of any suitable binding devices-as, for instance,set-screws,

'as'I I Fig. 18. In the first case some such device as a set-screw or akey-preferably the latter, or both-may be used to fix both of the saidwheels to said arbor, in the usual manner of fixing such wheels. In thesecond case any suitable binding devieesuch as a pin, key, or screw,&c.'-may be'used to fix the said fixable wheel directly to theblank-arbor; or the same result maybe accomplished indi rectly by fixingthat wheel to the adjoining master-wheel that is already fixed to thatarbor by means of suitable holding devices as, for instance, one or morebolts, as 1W. One of the master-wheels, in this instance the firstnamed, L", is adapted by means of some suitable auxiliary mechanism, ashereinafter described, to be used to rotate the blank-can rying arborintermittently for the purpose of spacing spur-whcel blanks in theinterval of time between the operations of cutting their successiveteeth. The other master-wheel, in this instance J ,is similarlyadapted,by means of some suitable auxiliary mechanism, as hereinafterdescribed, to be used to revolve that arbor continuously for the purposeof revolving worm-wheel blanks during the operation of cutting teeth inthe same by means of a hob of the usual description. I prefer that themaster-wheel L should be a spur-wheel, and that the master-wheel Jshould be a wormwheel, as shown in the several elevations of my presentmachine; but that is not essential' to all of my claims, as will appearmore clearly by referring to Figs. 16 and 17, showing, respectively, abevel-wheel and a worm-wheel for If, and to Figs. 18 and 19, showing,respectively, a spur-wheel and abevel-wheel for J. I prefer aworm-wheelfor the masterwheel J, chiefly for the reason that the pin-- arbor atall, as it would do if a train of spurgearing carried upon jointed linkswere used .to drive the said blank-arbor, 'as shown ,for in stance, inFig. 18.

The blank-spacing mechanism for use in cutting spur-wheels consists ofthe following:

A pinion, N is mounted upon a shaft, as

shown in Figs. 1 and 2, and fitted to revolve in gear with themaster-wheel L That pinion-shaft is fitted to revolve in bearings formedeccentrically in a sleeve, 0, which is supported by suitable brackets oncarriage E, in which it is adapted to be revolved or clamped, asrequired. \Vhen the machine is used for cutting worm-wheels, that sleeveis preferably revolved so as to carry the pinion N out of gear with themaster-wheel L so that the said pinion and its shaft need not revolveduring that operation, thereby avoiding any unnecessary wear of thoseparts. 011 sleeve 0 at its front end is formed or secured a stop-wheel,T, having means for adj ustably securing thereto a pair of stops, U, thesaid means being in the present instance an inverted -T slot formed inthe external cylindrical surface of said stop-wheel, and bolts fittedtherein and extending. outward through the stops, as shown.

In front of said stop-wheel a hand-lever, '1, is fitted to oscillateupon the pinch-shaft between said adjustable stops U Upon thepinion-shaft in front of that hand-lever is fixed a ratchet-wheel, R,which is rotated intermittently by means of the pawl Q} on thehand-lever. The ratchet-wheel R is usually one of a series of suchwheels which are provided with the machine, each having a differentnumber of divisions, so that by selecting for use a properly-dividedratchet-wheel and properly setting the stops U -having due regard to therelative proportions of pinionN and master-wheel Ifiany required degreeof rotation may be given to blank-arbor K, and

that operation repeated intermittently, as required. That operation Ihave referred to 'tently or continuously.

should be a worm-pinion adapted to herein as that of blankspacing, andit in general similar to the same operation as performed heretofore inother. geancutting machines.

I do not limit myself to the described sleeve 0', for the purpose ofcarrying the pinion N into and out of gear with the master-wheel If, asother devices may be used for that purpose. In Fig. one such otherdevice that I have so used is shown in two views, in which thepinion-shaft is mounted upon aslide, 0", which is carried upon carriageThe operation of that slide to perform the same operation as the saidsleeve is obvious.

For the purpose of rotating the pinion N I prefer the apparatusdescribed, consisting of the parts P, Q, R U, and T; but variousarrangements of the ordinary indexand pin may be used in place thereof,if preferredas, for instance. the arrangements shown in Figs. 16 and 20.

For the purpose ofseeurely holding theblank from rotation during thecutting operations, there is provided a clamp, 1, adapted to be operatedby means of lever B, shaft A, and a screw, 0 between said shaft and saidclamp, whereby the rim of master-wheel L may be iirnily held betweensaid clamp and a corresponding surface on carriage E. That clamp is ofcourse loosened-whenever it is required to rotate the master-wheel If,either intermit- I do not limit myself to any particularly position ofthis blankspa'ciug mechanism in the machine, nor to any particular kindof pinion N in said mechanism, for that is only required to conform tothe character of the master-wheel I with which it gears. When thatmaster-wheel is a spur-wheel, the said pinion should obviously be aspur-pinion, as shown and hcreinbefolre described; but if that wheel isa bevel-wheel, as shown in Fig. 16, the pinion should correspondtherewith, as also shown in that figure; and if said wheel is aworm-wheel, the pinion gear therewith, asshown in Fig. 17.

The blankrotating mechanism for use in the making of wornrwheels fromsuitable blanks by means of corresponding hobs consists of thefollowing: Supported in the bearings F and F and parallel to the waysofbed A, is a shaft, H, which is incidentally further supported by abearing, 1*, which is attached to carriage E, for the purpose ofreceiving a tubular extension of the worm-pinion I That worm-pinion issplined to said shaft H and made to travel over the same in a fixedrelation to carriage E, when that is moved on the bed A, by means of ashoulder at the left hand and nuts at the righthand of hearing I,- seenin Fig. i, and is constructed to gear with the master-wheel J The maindrivingshaft of the machine I carries a worm-pinion, K, gearing with aworm-wheel, A which is carried upon an intermediate shaft, 13. This.

shaft is parallel to shaft I1 and from it the. latter is driven by meansof a train of gearing consisting of drivinggear C on shaft Bintermediate gear, F carried upon the oscillating slotted yoke l)-'orany other suitable adjustable support-and the driven gear 1} on shaftII". A different number of gears may be used in this train of gearing toreverse the direction of the motion of shaft H or other; wise, asrequired. The gears C and G are constructed of such relativeproportions-havin g due regard to the other wheels and pinions of themachine, to the pitch of the hob, and to the size of the wornrwheelblank being operated uponas will produce the velocity of ro tation ofblank-arbor K required for the proper cutting of the blank by the hob.

The )rinci )al obeet of havin in this auxih l l J a iary mechanism of mymachine the two shafts B and II in the relation described is to permitthe use of a train of gearing between them of simple construction andconvenient arrangement, the individual gears comprising the train beingusually selected from a series of such gears, each of a different size,provided for that purpose. In that case the wormwheel A and worm-pinionK are permanent parts of the machine.

I do not limit myself to spur change wheels for transmitting motion fromshaft B to shaft H One other device adapted to be used in place of gearsG and- G is a pair of sprocketwheels and a suitable drivechain runningover them, the said wheels being changed to correspond with any changeof speed required. Neither do I limit myself to worm-gearing betweenshafts I and B as bevel-gearing may be so used, if the latter shaft issuitably located therefor.

Another way to communicate rotary motion from shaft I to master-wheel Jis to extend shaft B toward the right hand, as shown by dotted linesinFig. 4, so that the worm I is above that master-wheel, and the bearingI extends upward instead of downward from the carriage E. In that case,to change the velocity of rotation of said master-wheel J', the worm-wheel A and pinion K may be changed for a pair having a differentrelation to each other. In my claims, in which this auxiliary blankrotating mechanism. as a whole 7 or in part forms an element of thecombination claimed, I do not limit myself to the constructionhereinbefore described; but I may use in lieu thereof any machinery oftransmis sion adapted to transmit rotary motion from shalt Ior if thatbe absent from the machine, then from the cutter-carrying arbor-to themastenwheel 3. One such other construction referred to is shown in Fig.18, in which the shaft I is geared to the master-wheel J 2 by a train ofspur-wheels, the said master-wheel being also a spur-wheel. Another sucharrangement of gearing is shown in Fig. 19, in which the mastenwheel Jis a bevel-wheel driven by a bevel pinion, I", similarly as the 'worm-)inion I'*, Fi 4 drives the master wor1nwheel in that figure. In thiscase, Fig. 19, the shaft H is preferably spliued to slide IIOthrough-the gear-wheel G and fixed in pinion 1 The blank-feedingmechanism for use more especially in conjunction with the blank-rotatingmechanism to feed a wormwheel blank to the action of the hob consists asfollows: In a suitable bearing formed in the bed A a feedscrew, D, isfitted to revolve, the thread of which works in a nut (not shown)attached in the usual way to the under side of carriage E. The extremeouter end of that screw is formed to receive a crank, wrench, or otherappliance for the purpose of turning the same by hand. Next to thiscrank-receiving portion of D is affixed a ratchet-wheel, F, and next tothat a lever, H, is fitted to oscillate on said screw. (See Figs. 2 and3.) This lever carries a pawl, K, which operates the ratchet-wheel toturn the screw D, and thereby feed the carriage E; and it is preferablymade double-pointed, so that it may be used clamped thereto by means ofa nut, F

to turn said screw in either direction, accordingly as one or the otherof the points thereof is made to engage with said ratchet-wheel. Theshaft H extends through bearing F and carries upon its outer end acrankor, if that gives a too rapid feed motion, a sun-and-planet motionor some equivalent speed-reducing device-having an adj ustablcerank-pin, which is connected to the lever H by means of a rod, RE, Bythis arrangement the rotation of H acts through the crank-pin, rod R,lever H, pawl Kyratchet-wheel F, and screw D to feed the blank, as itrevolves, to the cutting-hob, the required amount offeed being obtainedby a corresponding adjustment of the crank-radius. 011 the screw Doutside of-bed A, is placed a suitably-graduated wheel, E", which isfitted to revolve freely thereon, and adapted to be This nut acts toforce said wheel against a shoulder (not shown) and said screw, therebyclamping them together in the usual manner. By taking one of thegraduations on E as a zeromark, bringing it to a corresponding referencemark or pointer on bed A, and then fixing said wheel to D by means ofthe nut F or its equivalent, the advance of carriage E on its ways maybe read on the said wheel.

The operation of this feeding mechanism, when constructed as thusdescribed, is intermittent; but it may be made to feed continuously byconnecting a gear in place of F to shaftH by means of a train of spur orother gearing, substantially as now sometimes practiced inmilling-machine construction.

The cutter-carrying mechanism consists as follows: The carriage O, whichis fitted to traverse the machine on ways B of the frame B, has a fixedprojection at its upper edge, and a removable bearing, E, adjustablysecured to its lower edge. Between E and O is a channel, F, for theescape of chips. The projection C is formed to receive a vertical slide,WV, within which the cutter-arbor V is fitted to revolve, the collar Ubeing fixed upon saidarbor above the said slide to hold it in place.

The external form of that slide is not essential so long as it conformsto the requirements ing-screw the two parts of the said projectionwhichis made twoparted by a vertical slit across the front thereofare clampedupon slide V, to hold the same in place. When said binding-screw isloosened, the slide may then be moved up or down by means of a wrenchapplied to the stem of pinion A, for the purpose of adjusting the cutterto the required position relative to a blank (not shown) carried byarbor K". The pinion A is more a matter of convenience than ofnecessity-as the adjustment of slide W may be effected by hand, ifrequired'and it may be replaced by a lever, wedge, or cam with equaleffect, the part '0 being in that case made suitably therefor. One suchequivalent for A in Fig. 7 is shown in Fig. 21, wherealever, A, is shownin place of said pinion. The cutter-arbor V is either formed to extenddownward to carry the cutter and pass into bearing E, or preferably, asshown in Fig. 7, it is formed in two parts, of which the upper one isformed hollow to receive the lower part, which is denominated herein asthe cutter-spindle D. This cutter-spindle has at its lower end acylindrical journal adapted to revolve in said bearing E, and an openingformed'to receive the projection A, which is formed on arbor V, (seeFig. 21,) whereby the latter rotates said spindle positively. WVhen thearborV is formed in two parts, as described, the spindle D is secured tosaid-arbor by means of a screw, 0, which operates for that purpose,similarly as the screw 0 does in the blankarbor K", hereinbeforereferred to. A nut, M, above a collar formed on screw 0', enables thatscrew, when turned in the proper direc? tion therefor, to forcethespindle D out of arbor V, similarly as the nut N operates upon theblank-carrying spindle hereinbefore referred to. The bearing E is boredtapering, largest at the top, to receive a correspondingly-taperedbushing, D, that forms the bearing-surface for the journal of D, andwhich is made diametrically adjustable by means of a slit in one sidethereof. A nut, I, on its lower end serves to compress the said bushingby drawing it into the said bearing E.

By the described construction of the cutterarbor and adjacent parts theadjustment of the cutter is quickly effected by means of the pinion A orits equivalent without the necessity of adjusting the lower bearing, E,of that arher. The spindleI) is sometimes made, as shown in Fig. 21, intwo parts, the lower part, I), forming a nut to hold the cutter onto theupper part, as well as the journal to run in bushingl)? Thecutter-rotating mechanism consists of the following: In bearin gs formedin thepieces G and F is the shaft I, parallel to the ways B and having apulley, H, by means of which it is rotated, and a worm-pinion, L,splined thereto, for driving the cutter-arbor. That shaft is furthersupported by bearings formed in a bifurcated bracket, 13', on carriageG, the two ends of which inclose the worm-pinion L. This pinion gearswith the worm-wheel T, which has its bearing upon the slide WV,hereinbefore referred to, of the cutter-carrying mechanism, and which isslid upon the shaft I by the bracket B" when the carriage (l istraversed on its ways. On the upper end of the hub of worm-wheel T areformed clutchteeth engaging with similar teeth projecting downward fromcollar U, of sufficient length to allow a proper vertical adjustment ofthe cutter-arbor and slide JV without disengaging them. WVhen that slideis not at its lowest point, a screw, U, is used to prevent the wormwheelfrom being lifted from its normal position, in which it rests onprojection O. The shaft 1 is also in my present machine the priir cipaldriving-shaft, and carries, besides pulley H and worm-pinion L, thewormpinion K, hereinbefore referred to, and the pulley J, to behereinafter referred to. As thus described, the drivingshaft I isrearward of the cutter-arbor, and the gearing between them isworm-gearing. In case bevel-gearing is used in that place instead ofworm-gearing, the said shaft is located above the cutter-arbor, and thegearing may then be arranged on the plan shown in Fig. 22, which is aview from the same direction as Fig. 2. The shaft l except for thegearing connecting it with the cutterarbor and the blank-arbor, whichmay be removed as desiredmay be driven independently of the other partsof the machine, and constitutes the source of power of the severalmechanisms which are connected thereto, either directly or indirectly.Itis immaterial to my invention whether the shaft I or the shaft B ismade such source of power, provided the gearing between thcmis such thatthe shaft that is so made may rotate the other. \Vhen the shaft B ismade the source of power, Iprefer bevel-gearing between it and shaft Iin place of the worm-gearing shown in the general views of my machine.By the exprcs sion gearing between that shaft and the blank-arbor limeaning from shaft l3 or shaft I, as in claim 9-1 include not only thegear-wheels and their pinions, but also any shafts by which those wheelsand pinionsmay be carried, and similarly respecting those shafts- I-andthe cutter-arbor.

The cutter-traversing mechanism consists of the following: In the frontof frame 13, between ways P5, are hearings in which a traw erse'screw,N, is adapted to be revolved by hand-power by, means of handwheel O, orby other motive power by means of a band applied to pulley M, which isdriven by pulley J on shaft 1, or by some other shaft or source ofpoweras, for instance, a separate counter-shaft. That. traverse-screw isfitted to work in a nut (not shown) of the usual dc script-ion. which isattached to the back side of carriage C, whereby the cutter-carryingmechanism is traversed on said ways B The pulley M is adapted to revolvefreely upon N, and carries within it a sun-and-planet motion, of whichthe left-hand sun-wheel revolves freely about N, and has clutch-teethupon its outer face, as shown, (see Fig. 8,) while the right-handsun-wheel is splined to N, and has similar clutch-teeth upon its innerface, adapted to mesh with similar teeth on the right-hand face of thehub of pulley M. A fixed stud, Q, carries a reciprocating yoke, 1?,having two arms formed to encircle N, one on either side of thesun-and-planet motion. The left-hand arm has clutch-teeth upon its innerface,

adapted to mesh with those of left-hand sunwheel, and the right-hand armengages with a groove of the right-hand sun-wheel. The proportion ofthese several parts is such that when the yoke l is thrown to the righthand, (see Figs. 2 and 8,) engaging with the left hand sun-wheel, thesun-and-planet motion operates to. impart a slow forward movement to N;but if the yoke is thrown to the left hand, engaging the clutclrteeth ofthe right hand sun-wheel, which is splined to N directly with the hub ofpulley M, then .a more rapid backward movement is imparted to thattravcrsescrew. The construction of yoke P is such that when at rest in acentral position neither of the clutches can operate, so that thetrzwersc-screw may then be turned in either direction by means of wheel0. The slow forward movement is for feeding the cutter duringv theoperation of cutting a tooth of a spurwheel, and the more rapid backwardmovement is for withdrawing the cutter preparatory to rotating the blankto the position required for cutting another tooth.

, For the purpose of imparting the required lGCll'Jl'OOLltlllg motiontoyoke P,thereis placed below screw N, parallel therewith, anoscillating shaft, it, which has a handle (see Fig. 2) for operatingsaid yoke by hand, and a rapidly-pitched screw-thread fitting acorresponding nut in 1?, whereby the said oscillating motion of ll isconverted into reciprocating motion and communicated in that form to thesaid yoke.

and has a crank, M, thereon, upon which the spring It operates, by meansof the rod Q and pivot-stud S, through said shaft and erank,to holdeither one of the described clutches into gear when such one of them isplaced in that position. In order to render this traversemotionautomatic, in the manufacture of spurwheels, to the extent ofwithdrawingthe cut- The shaft R projects through its hearing at the rearside of the machine,

ter from the blank after a tooth has been cut therein, a' reversingdevice is provided therefor, consisting of the following: The shaft R issplined throughout that part of its length between its bearings, and agear, N is fitted to slide thereon. A. bearing, 13, for supporting thatgear and keeping it in a fixed relation to carriage G, is attached tothe rear edge of said carriage. A vertically-reciprocating rack, I, (seeFigs. 8 and 9,) is secured upon that bearingor upon the carriage itself,if preferredmeshing with gear N, and having upon its rear edge a stud,J, which is acted upon by the adjustably-iixed stops K and L.

In the crank M (see Figs. 10, 11, and 12) is formed a notch, O, and aspring or other suitable detent, as P, is provided to catch into thesaline to hold shaft R in its central po sition. (Shown in Fig. 10.) Aguard-platmW, is fitted to swing upon shaft R next to crank M betweentwo pins, V, fixed in the diskshaped pant of that crank.

As before described, the clutches operated by yoke P and shaft 1% areadapted to have three positions, according to whether the carriage 0 isat rest or having a forward or a backward motion. Therefore the detentdevice has three corresponding positions, which are shown, respectively,in Fig. 10 in the central, in Fig. 11 in the forward, and in Fig. 12 inthe backward position.

When the operator of the 1nachinethe detent device being as in Fig.10has traversed the cutter to a proper point to begin a cut on theblank, he then starts the traverse mechanism forward by throwing theshaft R into the position shown in Fig. 11. By that operation the lowerpin V pushes the guard-plate \V under the detent P, so that the saiddetent is held away from that surface of the crank M in which is formedthe notch O. The forward motion of carriage 0 thus started thencontinues until rack I is so far lifted up by stop K that by turning thegear N it throws the shaft It so far toward the position thereof showninFig. 11 that the spring R can act to continue that motion to theposition shown in Fig. 12. During the latter part of that movement ofIt, after the notch O has passed the point of the detent I the upper pinV strikes the guard-plate WV, pushing it out from under the said detent,letting the latter rest upon the surface of the crank, as shown. Thethrowing of shaft R from its position in Fig. 10 to that in Fig. 12 byengaging the right-hand clutch reverses the motion of carriage 0, givingto it the more rapid backward movement to withdraw the cutter from theblank,'as will be ob vious from the construction and arrangement of theparts of this mechanism, as hereinbefore described. When that backwardmotion has continued a suificient distance, the rack I is pusheddownward by stop L, placed suitably therefor, until the shaft It isthrown from its position in Fig. 12 to its position in Fig. 10,- whenthe detent drops into the notch 0, thereby detaining this wholemechanism at rest in quires no special description.

that position until the operator, sets it to re peat the describedoperations.

I do not limit myself to a sun-and-planet motion for producing, incombination with the other parts, the reverse]y-operating motionsdescribed. In Fig. 14 I have shown one suitable substitute therefor. Theyoke in this case engages with two clutches, P P, one on either side ofthe pair of reversely-driven pulleysor gears l P, which are placed inthe position occupied by pulley Min Fig. 8. The operation of this deviceto perform the same function in the cutter-traversing mechanism as thedescribed sun-and-planet motion is evident from the drawings, as well asa matter of common knowledge to those familiar with similar classes of'machinery, and hence re- Instead of two clutches splined to the saidtraversing screw, a single double-faced clutch may be splined to thatscrew between said pulleys, which are then reversed on the'screw, so asto operate substantially thesame as either of the precedingarrangements.

Fig. showsa modification of the device for reversing the motion of thetraversing screw N. The shaft R, for operating the clutches, which isadapted to have an oscillating motion, as shown in Fig. 8, has in thiscase a longitudinally-reciprocating motion.

It is operated from the carriage O by means of stops K and by hand bymeans of any con venient deviceas,.for instance, the handle K. Theposition of the detent device may then be changed from its position asshown in Fig. 8, so as to operate the rod R by means of any convenientconnectionas, for instance, a rack and pinion, as shown in Fig. 15, orby means of a connecting-rod.

Instead of an auxiliary mechanism for traversing the cutter-carryingmechanism by means of a screw and nut, as hereinbefore de scribed, onemay be used having a rack-andpinion movement, which may be made tooperate automatically, either in one or in both directions, by suitablein cans. One such means for that purpose is the device described inUnited States Patent No. 13,813, dated November 20, 1855, to whichreference may be had.

NVhen the spurwlieel or worm-wheel blanks to be cut in this machine arenot sufficiently rigid to properly withstand the side pressure of thecutter, it is necessary in this, as it has been heretofore inspur-gcar-cutting niachines, to provide a side support or rim-rest toresist that pressure. The said support consists in my present machine ofthe following: A slide, 1), (see Figs. 1 and 2,) is adapted to be fixedupon ways B by means of binding-screws H, and carries an adjustablebracket, 1, that is clamped in position by means of a screw, J Thatbracket carries a rest, K, that is clamped thereto by ascrew, L", thesaid rest being adjustably fixed upon the said bracket by means of ascrew, M.

Vhen a spur-wheelis to be cut in this machine, the blank thereforisfirst fixed to the blank-arbor K, a suitable cutter is fixed upon thecutter-arbor V and adjusted to its correct position relative to thatblank, the clamp 0* is tightened, and the blankspacing mechanismproperly adjusted to the requirements of the gear to be cut. Theblank-carrying mechanism is then moved by means of the blanki'eedingmechanism toward frame B far enough to allow the cutter to make a groovein the blank of a predetermined depth, the carriage E clamped to bed Aby means of a bindingscrew, N, and the bolts M loosened. If the blank issuch as to require a side support during the cutting operation, the restK is adjusted to come in contact with the left-hand side of the rim ofthe blank, and fixed in that position. The cutter-rotating mechanism isthen put into operation by belting the pulley II to the source of power,and the cutter-traversing mechanism, heretofore at rest, as in Fi 10, isset in operation in a forward direction, as hereinbefore described.\Vhen the cutter has finished its out and been returned, automatically,or otherwise, as described, to its former position, the clamp C isloosened, the spurwheel blank turned the predetermined amount by meansof theblankspacing mechanism, the clamp O is again tightened, and theblank; traversing mechanism again set in motion, as before. Theseoperations being continued nntil that spur-wheel is completed, itisremoved and the machine set for the same or other use, as required.-

\Vhenever the machine is not requiredto be in immediate readiness forcutting wormwheels, the worm-wheel A may be removed from shaft 13*,thereby avoiding the wear of the same, and loss of power consequent uponrunning the entire blank-rotating mechanism when it is not in use.

When a wor1n-wheel is to be cut in this maehine,the blank is similarlyfixed to the blankarbor K as in the case of cutting a spurwheel,thespurpinion N" isth'rown out of ear with the master-wheel If, thebolts M" are tightened, and the clamp C and bindingscrew N" areloosened. A hob of suitable size and pitch is fixed on the cutterarborand adjusted to a proper position relative to the blank to be cut. Thereversing device of the eutter-traversing mechanism is thrown into itscentral positions-the band upon pulley M beingprefcrably ren1ovedwhereit is allowed to remain while the machine is in use for this purpose.The gearing of the blank-rotating mechanism is now adjusted by theplacing of properlycutter-rotating mechanism is now set in motion,andthe blank fed up to the cutter by rcvolving the screw 1) until thehob-as 0, Fig. 7-begins to cut the blank,when the graduated wheel 15 isset at the zero-inarlgas hereinbefore described. The feeding of theblank to the cutter may then be continued by turning that screw D byhand, or by setting in operation the automatic part of the blank-feedingmechanism by engaging pawl K with ratchetwheel It. The machine is keptthus in operation until the teeth on the blank are made to apredetermined height, which may be known by means of the aforesaidgraduated wheel E, when the blank-carrying mechanism is drawn away fromthe hob and the completed wormwheel removed from the blank-arbor. Byemploying worm-gearing to rotate the cutter-arbor and the blank-arborthis important advantage is gained: The entire mechanism intermediate tothose two arbors has, relatively thereto, ahigh rota-tive velocity, andtherefore, even when of moderate relative dimensions, owing to thenatural chancteristics of such gearing, imparts a very steady andpositive motion both to the cutter and to the blank. By this means largeblanks are finished in a superior manner in a machine of but moderatesize and strength.

In my claims to that part of my invention which consists in an organizedmachine I only limit the combinations to principal mechanisms, smfch asdescribed herein; but I do not limit them to such auxiliary mechanismsde scribed as adjunct to said principal ones, as

those latter may be such as described, or any I do not limit them tosuch parts or devices thereof as are merely auxiliary or adjunct to saidessential ones, as these latter may be such as shown or described, orany other which are substantially equivalent thereto, and have similarfunctions in the said mechanisms.

I do not claim herein the special constructions of the mechanismillustrated by the several figures, 13 to 22, both inclusive, except inso far as the same may be specifically referred to in the claims, or maybe equivalents for that which is shown in the previous figures 1 to 12,both inclusive, and duly claimed; but in so far as the same may embodypatentable invention I intend them to form in part the subject-matter ofseparate applications.

Having thus described my invention I claim- 1. In a gear-cuttingmachine, .in combination, a bed, as A, having ways, upon whichacarriage, as E, is adapted to travel, the carriage E, a blank-carryingarbor carried upon said carriage, a master-wheel, as J, carried uponsaid arbor, and, a splined shaft, as H,

parallel to said ways, and carrying a pinion same may be adjustedlongitudinally of its axis gearing with said master-wheel, substantiallyas and for the purpose described.

2. In a gear-cutting machine, in combination, a bed having a carriage,as E, adapted to travel thereon, a blank-carrying arbor upon as E or I),having a stem adapted to fit the bore of said arbor; third, a screw, asO or 0, adapted to hold said spindle into said arbor, substantially asshown and described. 4. In a gear-cutting machine, the combinationconsisting of thefollowing four elements: first, a hollow arbor, as'K orV; second, a spindle, as E or D; third, a screw, as O or G; fourth, anut, as N orM, whereby said screw may be made to force said spindle outof said arbor, substantially as described.

5. The carriage O, a slide, as WV, means for adjusting and fasteningsaid slide into said carriage, wheel T, notched to receive projectionson clutch U, clutch U, having projections to enter the notches of saidwheel, and spindle V, all combined and operating substantially asdescribed.

6. The carriage G, the tubular slide W, means for adjusting and clampingsaid slide into said carriage, gear-wheel T, spindle V, and clutchmechanism between said wheel and said spindle, substantially asdescribed.

7. In a gear-cutting machine, the combination consisting of thefollowing five elements: first, a frame-work having ways,as B second, acarriage, as 0, adapted to be traversed thereon; third, a cutter-arbor,as V, and a slide and clamp, substantially as described,whereby the andsecured to said part 0, fourth, a slotted shaft, as I, parallel to saidways B fifth, wormgearing and clutch mechanism, substantially asdescribed, connecting said shaft with said cutter-arbor.

8. The combinationof the cutter-arbor V, gearwheel T, collar U, andscrew U, substantially as and for the purpose described.

9. In a gear-cutting machine, the combination of the following fiveelements: first, a frame-work having ways for a carriage, E, and waysfor a carriage, O, substantially as described; second, a carriage, as E,adapted to travel on the ways provided therefor, and carrying ablank-arbor, as K third, a carriage,

, as 0, adapted to travel on the ways provided B, and gearing betweenthat shaft and shaft.

I and between that shaft and blank arbor K 10. In a gear-cuttingmachine, the combination of the following five elements: first, aframe-work having ways for a carriage, E, and ways for a carriage, O,substantially as described; second, a carriage, as E, adapted to travelon the ways provided therefor and can rying a blank-arbor, as K third, acarriage, as 0, adapted to travel on the ways provided therefor, andcarrying a suitable cutter-arbor; fourth, a shaft, as I, andworm-gearing be tween that shaft and said cutter-arbor; fifth, a shaft,as B, and gearing between that shaft and shaft I and between that shaftand blankarbor K 11. In a gear-cutting machine, the combination of thefollowing five elements: first, a frame-work having ways for a carriage,E, and ways for a carriage, O, substantially as described; second, acarriage, as E, adapted to travel on the ways provided therefor, andcarrying a blanlcarbor, as K; third, a carriage, as 0, adapted to travelon the ways provided therefor, and carrying a suitable cutter-arbor;fourth, a shaft, as I, and gearing between that shaft and saidcutter-arbor; fifth, a shaft, as B", and worm-gearing between that shaftand shaft I, and gearing between that shaft and arbor K 12. In agear-cutting machine, the combination of the following five elements:first, a

frame-work havingways for a carriage, E, and

ways for a carriage, O, substantially as described; second, a carriage,as E, adapted to travel on the ways provided therefor, and can rying ablank-arbor, as K; third, a carriage, as O, adapted to travel on theways provided therefor, and carrying a suitable cutter-arbor; fourth, .ashaft, as I, and gearing between that shaft and said cutter-arbor;fifth, a shaft, as B and gearing between that shaft and shaft I, andworm-gearing between that shaft and arbor K 13. In a gear-cuttingmachine of the class described, the combination of the following fourelements: first, a suitable frame work, substantially as described, acutter-arbor work ing thereon in an adjustable fixed position,

and a blank-arbor adapted to be moved toward and from the saidcutter-arbor; second, shaft B and gearing, substantially as described,between that shaft and said cutter-arbor; third, shaft H and gearing,substantially as described, between that shaft and said blankarbor;fourth, suitable changeable gearing between said shaft B and said shaftH, for the arbor; second, shaft B and gearing, substanshaft and saidcutterarbor, fifth, a shaft, as tially as described, between that shaftand said cutter-arbor third,shaft H, and gearing, substantially asdescribed, between that shaft and said blank-arbor; fourth, a train ofchange able spur-gearing between said shaft B and said shaft H".

15. In a gear-cutting machine, a masterwheel and its blank-arbor, as Ksupported in a movable bearing, in combination with a cutter-arborworking in an adjustable position in the machine, and intermediateconnecting shafts and gearing, substantially as described, whereby thesaid blank-arbor and the said cutter-arbor are revolved harmoniously,for the purpose set forth.

16. In a gear-cutting machine, the combina tion of the hob and itsarbor, an arbor upon a movable carriage for carrying the blank,intermediate connecting shafts and gearing adapted to rotate said blankharmoniously with said hob, and feed mechanism, substantially asdescribed, whereby the blank is given to the hob by a positive feed.

17. In a gear-cutting machine, the combination of carriage E, arbor K",master-wheel J", pinion I and bearing I, substantially as and for thepurpose described.

18. In a gear-cuttingmachine, the combination of carriage E, arbor Kmaster wormwheel J worm-pinion I, and bearing'I, substantially as andfor the purpose described.

19. In a gear-cutting machine, in combination, the carriageE, screw D",arbor K wheel .1, pinion 1 and shaft H crank-motion D" or itsequivalent, and the connections whereby said crank D communicates rotarymotion to D, for the purpose of feeding arbor K toward the cutter,substantially as described.

20. The combination of the arbor V, having a projection, A, thereon, andbored to receive spindle D and screw 0, screw 0 and. spindle D having arecess to receive said projection, and a threaded hole to receive saidscrew, substantially as and for the purpose described.

21. In combination, a suitable frame-work, as B, having ways .forcarriage G, carriage O, screw N, a reversely-operating mechanism adaptedto slide said carriage on said ways by means of said screw, frame 1shaft R, pinion N rack I, stops L and K, and detent mechanism, alloperating to cause and arrest the forward and the backward motions ofcarriage O, substantially as described.

22. The combination of the inclined plane K, the rack I, pinion N, theshaft It, and yoke I, all operating together to arrest the forwardmotion of carriage O, substantially as described.

23. The combination of the spring R, a rod and stud for supporting saidspring to act upon crank h the crank M, shaft R, yoke I, and screw N,and the driving pulley or pulleys, all operating together to cause thebackward motion of carriage O, substantially as described.

24:. The combination of the inclined plane L, the rack I, pinion N theshaft R, and the yoke I, all operating together to arrest the back wardmotion of carriage O, substantially as described.

25. The combination of the spring R, a rod and stud for supporting saidspring to act upon crank M, the crank M, the detent 1?, shaft It, andyoke P, all operating together to keep the carriage G temporarilystationary upon ways B; substantially as described.

26. The combination of the spring R, a rod and stud for supporting saidspring to act upon crank M, the crank M, the detent P, and guard-plateIV, all operating together 7 substantially as and for the purposesdescribed.

In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand this 81st day of October,1883.

FRANCIS A. PHAT \Vitnesses:

FRANCIS H. RICHARDS, Gno. A. REYNOLDS.

